Templates
The three emails every searcher writes
Starting points, not scripts — fill the brackets, cut what doesn't sound like you, and keep them short. The brackets mark every decision the template can't make for you.
Broker introduction
Introducing yourself to an active broker in your thesis so the next fitting deal reaches you before it lists.
Subject: Buyer intro — [INDUSTRY] in [REGION], SBA-ready
Hi [BROKER FIRST NAME], I'm a buyer focused on [INDUSTRY] businesses in [REGION] with roughly [SDE RANGE] in SDE, and your name keeps coming up on listings in that box. Quick profile so you can gauge fit: [ONE LINE ON YOUR BACKGROUND]. Financing is arranged — [LENDER/BROKER RELATIONSHIP OR PRE-QUAL], with [CASH AMOUNT] committed for the injection. I move fast on CIMs, give real feedback on passes, and don't retrade. If anything current or upcoming fits, I'd welcome the look — and happy to send my one-page buyer profile. [YOUR NAME] [PHONE] · [EMAIL]
LOI cover note
The email that accompanies your LOI — framing terms like a partner, not a litigant, and keeping the seller warm.
Subject: Our offer for [BUSINESS NAME] — attached, with the thinking
Hi [SELLER/BROKER FIRST NAME], Attached is our letter of intent for [BUSINESS NAME]. The headline: [PRICE] on [STRUCTURE SUMMARY — e.g., cash at close plus a seller note], targeting a close by [DATE]. Two notes on how we arrived here: [ONE SENTENCE ON VALUATION LOGIC — e.g., anchored to financeable value at current SBA terms], and [ONE SENTENCE HONORING WHAT'S STRONG ABOUT THE BUSINESS]. On process: diligence would start within days of signing — quality of earnings first, with document requests batched to respect [SELLER FIRST NAME]'s time. I'd rather surface questions early than surprise anyone late. Happy to walk through any term live. I'm hoping this is the start of the handoff [SELLER FIRST NAME] deserves. [YOUR NAME]
Lender package cover
Sending a deal package to a lender — front-loading what underwriting wants so you read as the organized borrower.
Subject: Acquisition loan package — [BUSINESS NAME], [PRICE], [INDUSTRY]
Hi [LENDER FIRST NAME], Package attached for [BUSINESS NAME], a [INDUSTRY] business in [LOCATION] under LOI at [PRICE]. The shape of it: - SDE: [SDE] ([YEARS] years, per [SOURCE — e.g., tax returns; QoE underway]) - Structure: [LOAN AMOUNT] requested, [CASH INJECTION] cash in, [SELLER NOTE TERMS IF ANY — note standby status] - Coverage: roughly [DSCR ESTIMATE]x at these terms, after a [SALARY] owner salary - My side: [ONE LINE ON BACKGROUND/CREDIT/POST-CLOSE LIQUIDITY] Included: LOI, three years of financials and returns, interim statements, my PFS and resume, and the working model. What would you need beyond this to get to a term sheet? Timeline matters — we're targeting [CLOSE DATE]. [YOUR NAME] [PHONE] · [EMAIL]
The LOI itself deserves counsel-grade language — the directory lists a battle-tested LOI template and the lawyers to tune it.
More templates as they're earned
Owner outreach, follow-up sequences, and diligence request lists are queued. Leave an email to get them as they land.